Cape Dory 14....how does it sail?

[Harris]

I had a Cape Dory 10 a few years ago and wished I'd kept it. Some boats you do outgrow! Ihave sailed an Alberg Sea Sprite for the last 20 years and and am a happy camper. I'm getting the itch again to buy a smaller sailboat. A dealer that sold Sea Sprites and Dorys in the 70's said that the CD10 was a sweet sailing boat..although small. He said that the later 14 foot version was a dog. He mentioned leeway and that the gunwals were so low amidship that the boat would ship water when heeled.I've seen a few 10's from time to time but have just come across a second 14. The boat is mint cond on trailer....asking $1500.I realize that a lower price would be preferable but am interested in hearing opinions of the sailing and rowing charateristics of this boat.
Thank you.



hg@myhost.com

[Andrle]

I bought a CD14 (#473) a couple years ago--looked like a good sailboat to teach my wife. At first I didn't like it so much, but now that we're used to it more we like it very much. I haven't shipped water over the rail yet (though we're trying!), and it sails fine--points fairly well and can get up a decent speed. We've even managed to surf a bit in a strong wind. It also rows quite well--the whitehall-shaped hull is a good traditional rowing design. We also like the seat layout--its a very comfortable daysailer--and my wife finds it easy to sail. I used to own a Penguin (1959), and have mainly sailed dinghys--Beetlecats, etc. The only thing I dislike about the CD14 is that if there's much wind, you have to get the boat pointed directly upwind in order to get the topmast into the notch.



bohemund@ctol.net